Thinking about the first three games we played and I noticed a theme.......even on basic tackles-we were 'sticking' the guys and making them hurt. Past teams I would compare it too was old Steeler or Giant defenses but I don't think either of them approach the sheer level of violence this defense brings. I think the only comparable defense would be the Texans, with JJ Watt et al. Thoughts?

I think they are ok so far but to small a sample to make that kind of decisions.

Stillirs of 75 & 76 would just about get my nod. 75 I think had 5 shut outs.

Green Bay from 59 to about 63,but the entire Black & Blue division of those days were awesome. The 85 Bears would get a special nod and many think they are the best all time. But I disagree, I'd take some Green Bay team of the early years and stillirs during the time you didn't mind being a stillir fan.

ninners had some very good years in the 80s

Hard to say, there were so many. Our guys have a chance to make a long term statement if they can get together and make their mark.

For my money you can't compare any of the current teams in the last 10 years or so with the real hitters of the late 60s-70s and into the 80s. Mostly because the rules were different then regarding hitting and teams able to stock pile spare players.

If your question is for this year only, then I would say Yes the seahawks are probably the most physical team when you throw in their smash mouth running game to their physical D. They can't compare with some teams from the past based on rule changes alone. You simply cannot be as physical as you could in the past.

Our LBs are more fast than thumpers. No way to know but I don't think of our speed rushers as physical. Our secondary is big but they aren't making Riley Odom cry from getting pounded catching over the middle (old dude reference). We have some big boys on the OL, but they are still getting their act together. The team is much tougher than it has been in awhile. The toughest in the NFL? Tougher to know, would have to poll their opponents locker rooms.

You'd have to take a long, hard look at Houston, as well as possibly all three of the other teams in the division right now. San Francisco kills people, so does Arizona, and if you watched Kevin Kolb last night, he might nominate the Rams.

You'd have to take a long, hard look at Houston, as well as possibly all three of the other teams in the division right now. San Francisco kills people, so does Arizona, and if you watched Kevin Kolb last night, he might nominate the Rams.

Jack “the Assassin” Tatum and his cohort George Atkinson, who allegedly taught Jack the now infamous “Tatum Hook”, were a pair of the most vicious hard hitting safeties to ever roam a football field, during the early seventies.

In a preseason game Tatum and New England receiver Darryl Stingley collided. Stingley lowered his helmet to protect himself and hit Tatum's shoulder pad. The force of the hit fractured two vertebrae in his neck and severely damaged his spinal cord, leaving him a quadriplegic.

Darryl’s transgression? He dared to run a crossing pattern into Tatum’s zone in PRESEASON.

The NFL later banned all forearms (the Tatum Hook rule) to the heads of receivers because of Tatum’s reputation and this hit. Even though he never used his forearm, no penalty flags were thrown, and Tatum was never disciplined for the play.

I think the NFL’s rules as they are now would preclude any defense, or defensive player for that matter, from coming close to how violent and “physical”, they played the game in the ‘60s and ‘70s…

"Est autem fides credere quod nondum vides; cuius fidei merces est videre quod credis." Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.(St. Augustine of Hippo)

It seems like even going back to that game in 2010, against SF to open the season that the Hawks have been more physical and that it has just been getting stronger as the roster clears up. IF the FO can figure out a way to keep this defense together and they play like they have for a couple years they will surely be considered the most physical ever.

I see the picture like this, this team is getting better PERIOD, whether Wilson or Flynn is the QB down the road. The FO has positioned themselves to improve or build depth through the draft for the long haul. The consistency will pay off in the long run. Even this year, if the Hawks can keep the division within two games at the mid-point of the season, we are destined to see the fruits of the build. The team is going to muscle it's way into wins all year long and as the passing game improves, the team will win more comfortably. By the end of this season, if the Hawks are in the playoff race, the respect for being physical will be at an all time high.

The only concern I have and I mean only is that Bevell will get cute and pass even though Lynch is gaining yardage. 1/30/2015 - loaf

loafoftatupu wrote:It seems like even going back to that game in 2010, against SF to open the season that the Hawks have been more physical and that it has just been getting stronger as the roster clears up. IF the FO can figure out a way to keep this defense together and they play like they have for a couple years they will surely be considered the most physical ever.

I see the picture like this, this team is getting better PERIOD, whether Wilson or Flynn is the QB down the road. The FO has positioned themselves to improve or build depth through the draft for the long haul. The consistency will pay off in the long run. Even this year, if the Hawks can keep the division within two games at the mid-point of the season, we are destined to see the fruits of the build. The team is going to muscle it's way into wins all year long and as the passing game improves, the team will win more comfortably. By the end of this season, if the Hawks are in the playoff race, the respect for being physical will be at an all time high.

Niners versus Hawks DDlines...comparable, Justin Smith is better than most Dlineman in the league.Dbackfields...both teams have a punishing safety tandem...Thomas, Goldson, chancellor and Whitner...Brutal!LBs...heres where I think the Niner D separates from yours....Willis, Bowman Brutal hitters and fast...A Smith and Brooks, big and hit hard.